A Revolution of Tenderness

I was raised Catholic but left the Church many years ago because I see it as an organization that has caused pain for too many people, that espouses too many contradictions, and simply does not fit my own worldview.  I do believe it is the “right” path for some individuals, it simply isn’t the path for me.  (Sorry Mom!)  That said, the Catholic Church is one of the most powerful and influential institutions in the world.

With this influence, the Church wields great power and I’m grateful to see the current Pope Francis spread a message of compassion and love.  His missive was shared at the TED Conference 2017 on Tuesday night and is now available online.  He expresses the importance of inclusiveness, equality, and connectedness between all beings.  He speaks of a revolution of tenderness – “Tenderness means to use our eyes to see each other, our ears to hear the other, to listen to the children, the poor, those who are afraid for the future.  To listen also to the silent cry of our common home, of our sick and polluted earth.  Tenderness means to use our hands and our heart to comfort the other, to take care of those in need.”  He joins a growing chorus of voices seeking a world where compassion and love heal; I hope his followers and non-followers alike will heed his call.


Transcript of Pope Francis’ TEDTalk (from ted.com)

Unexpected Art: Piggy in the Ladies Room

You never know where you’ll find a little piece of unexpected art in your life.  I found this adorable little pink origami pig on top of the paper towel dispenser in the woman’s restroom at my workplace.  Kudos to the artist who added a bit of whimsy to my day!

Piggy in the Ladies Room

Piggy in the Ladies Room

Collaboration of Man & Nature = Art?

Does the “collaboration” of man and nature equal art?  I’ve got to wonder when I notice things like this little oddity.  I’m not sure what happened here, but growths from this tree stump appear to have wound their way through the chain link fence in a spiral fashion.  Bits and pieces have obviously been cut away and the tree itself has died, but it left behind this intriguing little sculpture of wood and metal. It sure looks like a piece of art to me!

Tree stump growth wound into chain link fence

Collaboration of Man & Nature = Art?